Elvis Has Left The Building

Susan and I both had grown up listening to Elvis Presley music. We talked about how we would catch an Elvis Presley movie on Sunday afternoons. So, when she found out we were staying footsteps away from Elvis's birthplace, there was no holding her back. Two days leading up to the sightseeing adventure she sang every Elvis song she knew and then some.

We all know about Graceland but Tupelo, MS is where it all started. Elvis Aaron Presley was born January 8, 1935 to Vernon and Gladys Presley. Elvis had an identical twin brother named Jessie Garon Presley, unfortunately Jessie was stillborn. 

A year earlier in 1934, Vernon borrowed $180 for materials to build a two room house. The house was built by Elvis's father, grandfather, and uncle. It stands today in the same location as it did when Elvis lived in it.

Times were tough financially on Vernon and Gladys. After 3 years of living in the house it was repossessed for failure to make payments. The inside has changed since the Presley family occupied it mainly due to other occupants since the Presley's. The wood floors and the mantle are the only original inside pieces.

The Presley family regularly attended the Assembly of God Church. This is where Elvis was first exposed to gospel music which influenced his musical style throughout his career. The Pentecostal Church was originally a block away but moved to the present location in 2008 and restored to its original condition.

In 1945 Elvis at the age of 10, made his first public radio broadcast. Standing on a chair in a youth talent contest at the Tupelo Fairgrounds he sang "Old Shep".

In 1946, Elvis and his mother walked to the Tupelo Hardware Store where Elvis wanted to purchase a .22 caliber rifle. Gladys being a very protective mother convinced Elvis to purchase a guitar instead. And the rest is history.

 

The hardware store remains the same inside with its wood shelving and stamped metal ceiling. Only the merchandise has changed. As the story goes X marks the spot on the floor where Elvis stood to purchase his first guitar. Susan is standing in that exact spot. How nostalgic!

In 1948, when Elvis was 13 years old he moved away from Tupelo . Elvis returned nine years later to perform a benefit concert at the Fairgrounds where it all started. A life size statue now stands in Fairpark where Elvis performed his concert.

Actual picture taken from the concert

A trip to Elvis Presley's Birthplace is not complete without a stop at the museum. The museum is mainly a personal collection of Janelle McComb, a long time friend of Elvis and the Presley family. Unfortunately, pictures are not allowed to be taken in the museum.

While in Tupelo we stayed at the Campground at Barnes Crossing which was so conveniently close to everything. This campground offered all the amenities W/S/E 30&50 amp service along with cable. Mr Jim greeted us with a wonderful Mississippi greeting and escorted us to our site. Thank goodness. Nice campground but challenging. You're basically driving up and down to get to your tiered site.

Walking around the park gave me a great workout. As I was lollygagging I stumbled across some horses in the pasture next to the campground. Being curious I walked over and when they turned around to see me I was very pleasantly surprised. Check it out.

Check out the markings and the blue eyes